Inland navigation

Inland navigation is the largest alternative transport mode in Port of Antwerp-Bruges. To further increase the share of inland navigation, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is continuously working on new projects.

Mobility & connectivity Antwerp Zeebrugge

Short transit times to the European consumer

Antwerp and Bruges have excellent connections to the extensive European barge network. This ensures short transit times to strategic areas in the European hinterland.

Find an inland shipping connection or operator

Various barge operators are active in the region, in all the different segments including tankers, containers, dry cargo, breakbulk and ro-ro. The fleet, diverse both in terms of type and size, ensures that there is an inland navigation option available for all cargo transport.

Plan your route

Projects to increase goods transport via inland navigation

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is investing in a modal shift of transport flows in favour of barge and rail transport. 42% of total container traffic in Antwerp should be via barge by 2030.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges encourages this modal shift through efforts to increase the number of barge connections and improve efficiency in the chain. Improving barge infrastructure is also high on the agenda.

Autonomous inland navigation vessels

Automated shipping is the future of inland navigation. An unmanned vessel leads to significant cost reductions and provides a solution to growing mobility problems.

For example, Seafar has developed a technology for the remote control of automatic inland navigation vessels. It is already being used on the estuary container ship 'Deseo' which sails semi-autonomously between Zeebrugge and Antwerp. Research by the University of Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges has shown that 3D sonar sensors, inspired by bats, can help with this technology.

An unmanned vessel leads to significant cost reductions and provides a solution to growing mobility problems.

Inland navigation services

There are a range of places available to inland operators or skippers at the port for purchasing drinking water, collecting bilge water, waste disposal, degassification, shore power, etc.

You will find all services for inland skippers such as layby berths and car drop-off points in the port area, available communication channels and contact details of the locks in a handy map.

Inland navigation application APICS Barge - Antwerp

The APICS Barge application makes your life as a bargemaster or fleet manager easier. Reporting when your ship sails in and out of the Antwerp port area, finding available moorings, and booking locks are done digitally.

What goes on in inland navigation

Receive the operational newsletter for inland navigation. Then you will be first to hear about all operational developments.

New connections and events

Stay updated on the most recent intermodal connections. Be first to receive an overview of all inland navigation events.

Useful contact details

Download

To stand out from the competition on the world market, companies must be able to call on the best possible supply chain to get cargo to its final destination.

Supply Chain Brochure

26/3/2024

To stand out from the competition on the world market, companies must be able to call on the best possible supply chain to get cargo to its final destination.

Download